Assessment and care of adults at risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour

The document should be reviewed and then applied to both specific needs of the organization or practice setting/environment and to meet the needs and wishes of the client. [...] The promotion of protection for the individual and families, the enhancement of reasons for living, and the delivery of successful nursing interventions will all reduce the risk for suicide. [...] The guideline will focus on individuals over the age of 17 and will address: ■ recognition and assessment of risk for suicidal ideation and behaviour; ■ nursing interventions towards the reduction of risk; and ■ strategies to promote ongoing wellness for the client and the nurse. [...] After reviewing the evidence in the research literature and guidelines, the panel focused its review on guidelines that were within the scope of practice of the RN and RPN. [...] According to the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) (2007), suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians ages 15 to 24 years, 16% of all deaths for the age group of 25 to 44 years, and the age range with the highest number of suicides is the age group of 25 to 44 years.